Apparel Online India Issue 1-15 March '18 | Page 50

RESOURCE CENTRE HAVE YOUR SAY BREAKING NEWS Tell us your news by emailing at [email protected] To read the latest sustainability news, go to https://apparelresources.com/business-news/sustainability/  HCA bats for stronger Government support to the industry T he apparel export industry is amidst a crisis that has not only eroded its competitiveness, but has also slowed down its growth substantially. Sadly, this critical condition has been brought upon by the ‘uncertainty’ created by continuous changes in policy and major blockages of funds that have rendered the industry short on liquidity to invest in the business. As an integral part of this industry, Anil Anand, MD, HCA, one among the leading technology providers, is really worried about the situation and is all praise for the entrepreneurial spirits of the industry players that have kept them going despite all the challenges. The past year has been a difficult one for exporters and yet they came in large numbers to the recently concluded GTE to see the latest technology. This fighting attitude of the players has been the biggest saviour at a time when no one really knows where the direction is. “There has to be stability in policy; every day we see some change or the other… The Government is reactionary to how people are responding to announcements; there is no firm stand, so no one knows what to expect next,” argued Anand. He firmly believes that the industry is willing to invest, but is holding back for clarity. A clear direction that he does see today is the migration of companies towards newer destinations. “For many years I have been propagating that industry needs to move closer to the catchment areas and now I see it happening. Companies are seriously exploring options, whether it is Odisha, Jharkhand, Telangana or any other destination and this movement could spearhead a fresh lease of life to the garment export industry,” said Anand. He adds that given the current facilities and infrastructure that these new destinations are offering, Anil Anand (L), MD, HCA with his son Bhavya Anand ESSENTIALS Despite the positive change in mindset that Anand observes in the industry, he rues the fact that the Government is not as supportive as it should be. Giving the classic example of China, Anand reasons that for any country to progress smoothly, the support of the Government is a must, but unfortunately in India, the industry is left to fend for itself many times. the industry need not look at foreign locations like Ethiopia and Bangladesh for new factories to be competitive. In the meanwhile, the technology providers are also gearing up to support the industry in its new direction and many are searching options to set up offices in the new areas. Anand is also very happy with the increased acceptance of automation by the industry, and is positive that this interest will continue to increase. “Every one is talking about affordable automation, but if you see our logo, we have a line that says ‘making automation affordable is our goal’. Today a button feeder which was considered automation some years ago is a common technology. The price has come down by 50% and this is because both the demand and production of the machine has increased,” avered Anand. He feels that the industry is not only ready for automation, but it is also the need of the hour. Despite the positive change in mindset that Anand observes in the industry, he rues the fact that the Government is not as supportive as it should be. Giving the classic example 50 Apparel Online India | MARCH 1-15, 2018 | www.apparelresources.com of China, Anand reasons that for any country to progress smoothly, the support of the Government is a must, but unfortunately in India, the industry is left to fend for itself many times. “I am a bigger supporter of the ‘Make in India’ slogan, and have even tried to manufacture machines in the country, but it is not viable. Even after imports, the Chinese machines are 5-7% cheaper than my machines,” shared Anand. The reason of course is that the manufacturing cost in China is heavily subsidised and other tax benefits make the machines so much more competitive on a global platform. Anand also strongly feels that the age-old labour laws need to be relooked at. “Everyone wants to retain performers, but why should the indu